PINGEL TRYING TO CATCH SPOT WITH BILLS

It's a long way from Perryville, Mo., to the National Football League. You certainly don't have to remind Scott Pingel of that.

And Pingel, a Perryville native, is still a long way from his dream of reaching the NFL. But he's certainly a lot closer than most young men who have at one time or another entertained those same dreams.

Tonight, Pingel will participate in an NFL game when the Buffalo Bills host the Cincinnati Bengals. Sure, it's only the preseason, but Pingel is still fired up as he prepares to see his first 'official' action at wide receiver for the Bills during their exhibition opener.

"I'm pretty excited," said Pingel during a telephone interview from Buffalo on the eve of his preseason debut. "Our receivers coach told us (earlier Thursday) how we're going to play and he said I'll get to play some in the third quarter and then quite a bit in the fourth quarter.

"I'm realistic. I'm not on the first or second team, and they'll get those guy the work they need. But those guys probably won't play all that much, and then I'll get in. Hopefully I'll get to play quite a bit."

Pingel, a St. Vincent High School graduate, is in the Bills' training camp after signing a free-agent contract in June following a record-setting career at Division III Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.

At Westminster, Pingel was a three-time Division III All-American and he currently holds seven NCAA records, including the all-division career receptions mark of 436, which shattered the legendary Jerry Rice's previous record of 301.

Pingel, who finished his career with 75 touchdowns and 6,108 receiving yards to go along with those 436 receptions, was named the 1999 Division III National Player of the Year.

All of those accomplishments were not enough to get the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Pingel -- who does not possess blazing speed -- drafted by an NFL team. But, after spending some time with the Blackhills Machine of the Indoor Football League, Pingel was able to draw enough attention from the Bills to be signed as a free agent.

And now that Pingel has a chance, he's trying to make the most of it, even though he realizes the odds are stacked against him as he attempts to make the Bills' opening-day roster.

"I know It's going to be tough," he said. "But I've developed a real positive attitude about this whole thing. All I can do is what I can do. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't. But as long as I've given it my best, I'll be happy."

Pingel is one of nine receivers in camp with the Bills, and he figures those players are vying for five roster spots, along with a sixth slot on the practice squad.

The Bills have two big names at wide receiver -- Eric Moulds and Peerless Price -- but the other seven players are either rookies or have one year of NFL experience.

Asked how he believes he has performed so far since training camp began July 21, the humble Pingel said, "It's hard for me to answer that. It's definitely a great learning experience, watching guys like Eric Moulds and Peerless Price. I'm still learning, and the more I learn the more I'll be able to hold my own. I'm not where I want to be, but I think I'm getting there."

As might be expected, Pingel said that training camp has been extremely grueling, with the players busy on most days from morning until night. There are generally two practices per day, with several hours of meetings also thrown in.

"It's pretty much football all day, but we do get some time off," he said. "It's really kind of like I expected. I talked to some players before I came here and they said expect the worst, but it's never as bad as you think."

As a lowly free agent, Pingel realizes it's important for him to perform well whenever he gets the opportunity. But he's not about to put any extra pressure on himself.

"I don't really feel any pressure, I'm just enjoying myself," he said. "But I do know I have to have to make the most of the opportunities when I get them."

An opportunity figures to come tonight, and Pingel hopes to take advantage of it.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "It should be a lot of fun."